The most affordable online colleges in Ohio include a mix of public, private, and religious educational institutions that appeal to the various tastes of Ohio students. In keeping with the history of Ohio since colonial times, the schools are varied in purpose. Though the first Europeans to visit what was to become Ohio were French, and incidentally claimed it as a French territory, the area was ceded to the British after the French and Indian War. After the American Revolution, the entire British region, including what is now known as the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, of Ohio was handed to the United States. Ohio became the 17th of the United States on March 1, 1803.
What followed was the creation of educational institutions for citizens of Ohio that welcomed every gender and every race into their student bodies—the first state to support an indiscriminate educational policy. With the development of open enrollment in higher education institutions came the long-sought lasting piece between American Natives and European settlers. The peaceful coexistence bred respect amongst the disparate cultures within the state and contributed to the Ohio spirit that demanded an equal opportunity to all members of its social framework. When online education grew to a force in educational circles, it was not unusual to see Ohio institutions at the forefront of advances in the field of distance learning.
The schools on this list of the ten most affordable online degrees offered at Ohio colleges are selected from the 47 colleges or universities in Ohio that award undergraduate degrees with some courses presented online that anyone can find by searching the National Center of Educational Statistics website. Eligibility standards for our list of the most affordable online colleges in Ohio require that a school deliver more than the lowest dollar amount of tuition. Other qualities possessed by the colleges and universities on our list include regional accreditation, engaging faculty, financial aid options, and job placement rate.
Ranking Low-Cost Online Ohio Colleges
10. University of Northwestern Ohio
Lima, Ohio
Tuition: $11,350
The University of Northwestern Ohio is a private college accredited by the Ohio Department of Education and the Higher Learning Council to award associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Since it opened its doors in 1920, the school has concentrated on delivering quality education to students interested in an entrepreneurial field of study. With its concentration of business, technological, and healthcare studies, it was a natural move to extend its educational repertoire into the virtual field when online became available in 1995. Since that time, the school has been at the forefront of developing online courses that moved the school to offer affordable online degrees. Currently, the school provides access to only one masters-level program—Master of Business Administration—entirely online but presents an abundant array of associate and bachelor degrees in its virtual campus. The associate level degrees match its direction toward entrepreneurial studies, as can be seen by the following list of degrees.
- Associate of Applied Business in Accounting
- Associate of Applied Business in Agribusiness Marketing/Management Technology
- Associate of Applied Business in Automotive Management
- Associate of Applied Business in Business Administration
- Associate of Applied Business in Specialized Studies
- Associate of Applied Business in Health Information Technology
- Associate of Applied Business in Legal Assisting
- Associate of Applied Business in Medical Office Management
- Associate of Applied Business in Office Management
- Associate of Applied Business in Sport Marketing and Management
- Associate of Applied Business in Travel and Hotel Management
The University of Northwest Ohio also provides bachelor’s-level online degrees in the areas of accounting, business, and healthcare.
9. Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio
Tuition: $11,105
Bowling Green State University opened its doors to students in 1910 with a charter as a “normal,” or teaching school. Today, the university is at the forefront of education in several fields related to liberal arts and is considered one of the premier research institutions in the country. The school grasped the importance of online education early in the revolution amongst educational institutions and began offering affordable online courses that quickly evolved into full degrees. The institution provides an array of online degrees at several levels including, certifications, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, and master’s degrees. The Associate of Technical Study and the Professional Certification programs in Cybersecurity are offered entirely online for students seeking knowledge without taking the time to pursue a four-year degree. The school offers four bachelor degrees that are presented entirely online.
- Bachelor of Science in Allied Health
- Bachelor of Science in Management and Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing [RN to BSN]
- Bachelor of Science in Theology, Quality Systems
Bowling Green State University offers 16 master’s-level degrees online along with graduate certifications and endorsements such as:
- Graduate Certificate as an Alternative Resident Education
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology
- Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Graduate Certificate in Career Technical Workforce Education
- Graduate Certificate in Food and Nutrition
- Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design
- Graduate Certificate in Quality Systems
- Graduate Certificate and Endorsement in Reading
- Graduate Certificate in Secondary Transition
- Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering
8. University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Tuition: $11,000
The University of Cincinnati is a public research university with a student body of over 44,000. The school is rated as one of the most affordable online colleges in Ohio. The University of Cincinnati openly touts its mission to provide an excellent standard of education for students seeking a better professional position in life. The university offers 74 undergraduate programs that are entirely available online programs including three groundbreaking undergraduate certificates including:
- Certification in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Certification in Fire Investigation and Building Construction
- Certification in Medical Biller
Bachelor’s-level degrees offered entirely online cross a vast spectrum of fields such as criminal justice, healthcare, human resources, business, education, humanities, fire science, information technology, and nursing.
As an example of its commitment to online education, the university offers 30 masters-level degrees online for working students. These graduate courses are particularly crucial to the development of expertise in such fields as education, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, healthcare, business, information technology, behavior analysis, and criminal justice.
The school, recognizing the importance of further education in the nursing field, has one of the most prominent online doctoral programs in the field in the country. Seeking to maintain the quality of health practitioners while they attend further education in their field, the University of Cincinnati offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice degree entirely online.
7. Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Tuition: $10,726
The history of Ohio State University is indicative of the spirit that still inhabits the state. The school opened its doors to its first 24 students in 1873. By 1878, six of those initial students graduated with a bachelor’s degree. The following year the first woman graduated from the school. By the 1880s the school was offering master’s level degrees and the expansion of educational opportunities in Ohio followed the example of the university all over the state. Today, the university is in the lead in Ohio in affordable online education for degree levels from associates to doctorates. US News and World Report ranks Ohio State University as 3rd on its list of Best Online Ranking for Undergraduate Programs and 2nd across the country in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. These rankings provide notice of the high standards Ohio State University demands of its faculty when presenting degrees online. Students seeking to begin their online education with an associate’s degree can seek an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Education. For further online education opportunities, Ohio State University offers these four bachelor-level degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The school recognizes the necessity of further education beyond the baccalaureate level for students who do not have the time or the inclination to pursue a master’s-level degree but who wish to focus on a given area of their profession. For these students, Ohio State University offers graduate certifications such as:
- Biomedical Informatics Certificate
- Core Practices in World Language Education
- Criminal Justice Administration Certificate
- Health and Wellness Coaching Graduate Certificate
- Healthcare Leadership and Innovation Certificate
- Nurse Coaching Graduate Certificate
- Nurse Educator Certificate
- Nursing in School Health Certificate
- Public Management Certificate
- Registered Nurses in Primary Care Certificate
- School Nurse Professional Pupil Services Licensure Certificate
- School Nurse Wellness Coordinator certificate
Ohio State University continues its focus on the medical field with a doctoral degree—Doctor of Nursing Practices as well as numerous master’s level degrees such as:
- Master in Plant Health Management
- Master of Arts in Art Education
- Master of Arts in Bioethics
- Master of Clinical Research
- Master of Dental Hygiene
- Master of Global Engineering Leadership
- Master of Healthcare Innovation
- Master of Learning Technologies
- Master of Public Administration and Leadership
- Master of Science in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership
- Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology
- Master of Science in Welding Engineering
- Master of Social Work
- Nursing-Master of Science
- Specialized Master in Business Analytics
6. Cleveland State University
Cleveland, Ohio
Tuition: $10,457
Cleveland State University offers some of the most affordable online degree programs in Ohio. Compared to many universities in Ohio, Cleveland State University is young. The university, located in downtown Cleveland, opened its door to students in 1965. Since then, the school has seen over 200,000 alumni graduate and enter the workforce. When online education became available, Cleveland State University jumped on the opportunity to expand its student body. In 2004, the university started offering cheap online classes to students unable to attend classrooms. Today, the online programs at Cleveland State University include certification am licensure programs as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees. The certification and licensure programs offered entirely online include:
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant
- Bioethics Certificate
- Inspired Leaders Principal Licensure Program
- Data-Based Decision Making Certificate Program
In addition to the certification and licensure programs that the university offers entirely online, Cleveland State University offers two bachelor’s level completion degrees—Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
In recognition of students who seek a masters-level degree while working in their field, Cleveland State University provides affordable online degrees in:
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Health Sciences
- Master of Education in Adult Learning and development
- Master of Education in Community Health Promotion
- Master of Education in Gifted Education
- Master of Education in Education technology/Online Teaching Certificate
- Master of Education in Educational Research and Assessment
5. Kent State University
Kent, Ohio
Tuition: $10,312
Kent State University opened its doors in 192 to its first students. Since that day, the university has always been one step ahead of the competition in providing excellent educational opportunities. Kent State University has its primary campus in Kent, Ohio, but also satellite campuses throughout the state in Ashtabula, Burton, East Liverpool, Jackson Township, New Philadelphia, Salem, and Warren, Ohio. Despite all its campuses, Kent State University discovered the need to reach out to students through the virtual realm made available via the Internet. Through online access, students from across the globe pursue affordable online degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels with additional certifications for post-graduates students to focus their studies in a limited section of their field. The school offers several associate-level degrees, including:
- Associate of Applied Business in Accounting Technology
- Associate of Applied Science in Criminology and Justice Studies
- Associate of Technical Study in Environmental Study
- Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology
- Associate of Applied Business in Office Technology
In addition, the university also offers an affordable alternative to its on-campus baccalaureate programs through its online presence. Though these bachelor degrees do not include every subject that Kent State University offers, the online program does include:
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Insurance Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
- Bachelor of Science in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care
- Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies
Kent State University concentrates much of its online space to its 26 masters-level degrees and 19 certification programs. Whereas the masters-level programs take two to three years to complete, students often find it advisable to seek a cheap substitute by pursuing a certification in a specific area in which they work. Kent State advisors go over these opportunities with applicants to determine the correct and cheapest means to let students accomplish their goals.
4. University of Toledo
Toledo, Ohio
Tuition: $10,293
Ohio medical and technical students seeking a cheap online university should consider the University of Toledo. The university started as an arts and sciences school in 1872, failed within six years, and returned as a vocational school in 1884 to satisfy the needs of the community. Today, the university is a leading research institution with incredible credentials. The University of Toledo jumped into the online environment almost immediately, providing unaccredited courses for the populace and accredited courses to augment some of its degree programs. It did not take long for the university to adjust the online courses into full degrees. Today, the University of Toledo offers every level of degrees online, including associate, bachelor, master’s, and doctoral degrees and specialized certifications. The nine associate-level degrees are the most sought of all the university’s online degrees and include:
- Associate in Accounting Technology
- Associate in Business Administration (Pre-Business)
- Associate in Business Management Technology
- Associate in Computer Network Administration
- Associate in Computer Software Specialist
- Associate in General Studies
- Associate in Information Services and Support
- Associate in Programming and Software Development
- Associate in Technical Studies
The online curriculum at the University of Toledo also includes 11 bachelor degrees and 13 master’s degree opportunities. For those students that wish to concentrate on a specific area of their work, the university also provides access to 17 certification programs with the curriculum presented entirely online.
Along with these programs, the University of Toledo delivers two affordable online doctoral programs, including the Ph. D in Curriculum and Instruction—Special Education and the Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees.
3. Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Tuition: $8,967
Youngstown State University accepted its first students in 1908 to serve the educational needs springing from manufacturing industry growth in the area. By the year 2000, the school boasted a student body of 12,000 and was recognized as a top-tier research university. When the possibility of offering classes online entered the educational theater, Youngstown jumped in with both feet. Today the university offers cheap bachelor and master’s degrees entirely online. The seven bachelor degrees include:
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Allied Health
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Public Health
- Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Bachelor of General Studies
The university also offers affordable master’s degrees online, including:
- Master of Arts in Financial Economics
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Health and Human Services
- Master of Respiratory care
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Management and Program Planning
- Master of Science in Engineering, Management Option
The university is venturing into the realm of certifications with its first affordable online offering in the area with a Nurse Education Post-Master’s Certificate. If the future of certification programs blossoms further, look forward to seeing more certifications offered online at Youngstown State University.
2. God’s Bible School and College
Cincinnati, Ohio
Tuition: $7,040
God’s Bible School and College began in 1900 as a one-course opportunity for clergy to expand their knowledge of the Scriptures and theological theory. Within a year, the curriculum was adjusted to foster Christian work ethics in students employed in the vast manufacturing industries surrounding Cincinnati. In 1936, the school morphed into a four-year college with both associate and bachelor degrees awarded to worthy graduates in several fields beyond the teaching of Christian theology. When online technology became available, God’s Bible School and College jumped on the opportunity to supply ethical training at an affordable cost by offering all its degrees through both the traditional classroom and the virtual environment. The associate level degrees offered by the college are:
- Associate of Arts in Bible & Theology
- Associate of Applied Science in Ministerial Education
- Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
- Associate of Applied Science in Music Ministry
- Associate of Applied Science in Intercultural Studies & World Missions
- Associate of Arts in General Business
- Associate of Arts in General Studies
The school also offers a set of baccalaureate degrees online including:
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical & Theological Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Ministerial Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Music Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Church and Family Ministry
- Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies
In recent years, God’s Bible School and College gained permission to include some graduate-level degrees in its curriculum at the masters-level. These two courses center on the biblical mission of the school and include, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and Master of Arts in Ministry.
1. Miami University
Oxford, Ohio
Tuition: $5,880
Miami University is not only the most affordable online college in Ohio; it is also one of the oldest public universities in the country. The first students to pass the doors of this venerable university did so in 1824. Since that time, it has been the home of countless students, a future President of the United States, and several entrepreneurs that helped to tame the continent. Today, the school is an example of what one university can do to improve the education of the nation. Its online program is one of the finest with two associate degrees, three bachelor degrees, seven master’s degrees, and two certification and endorsement programs offered completely online. The two associate degrees are an Associate in Applied Science in Prekindergarten Education and an Associate of Applied Business. The three baccalaureate degrees include:
- Bachelor of Science in Commerce
- Bachelor of Science in Health Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Health Information Technology
The seven masters-level degrees offered by Miami University are:
- Master of Arts in Instructional Design & Technology
- Master of Education in Educational Technology
- Master of Education in Literacy & Language
- Master of Education in School Leadership (Principal Licensure)
- Master of Education in Special Education
- Master of Education in Transformative Education
Miami University’s two online certification and endorsement programs are certification in Autism Spectrum Disorders and an Endorsement in Reading for teachers.
The entire list of colleges and universities that offer online courses or degrees in Ohio is extremely long. This list of the ten most affordable colleges that offer online degrees takes more than just the factors mentioned above into consideration. The tradition of continued excellence in education and the adaptability of the school also come into play. In Ohio, the spirit that has continuously demanded excellence, along with patience and understanding has lent itself well to the virtual format where affordable online education is found. For Ohioans, a cheaper method of gaining a degree is the desired route, making online education the preferred method toward a raise in pay that accompanies increased training.
AS Staff
This concludes our list of the ten most affordable online colleges in Ohio for 2020
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